Bob Crosby

BOB CROSBY ORCHESTRA WITH GUESTS: JUNE CHRISTY & POLLY BERGEN (1990)

1. It Had To Be You
2. Lover Jack Teagarden
3. Ostrich Walk
4. My Baby Just Cares For Me
5. Over The Waves
6. Love Is Just Around The Corner
7. Song Of The Islands
8. Exactly Like You
9. Skater's Waltz
10. Willow Weep For Me
11. Aunt Haggar's Blues
12. Let's Fall In Love
13. She's Funny That Way
14. Tales From Hoffman
15. Wolverine Blues
16. Fidgety Feet

This 1990 CD has previously unreleased performances from two versions of the Bob Crosby Orchestra in the 1950's. Although not "the most popular orchestra of the 1950s" (as claimed on its back cover), the Crosby ensemble was still pretty strong, although no longer a full-time big band. The 16 performances often sound as if the applause was added later on. The leader has four OK vocals; Polly Bergen guests on a slow rendition of "Let's Fall in Love," and June Christy sings "Love Is Just Around the Corner" and "Willow Weep for Me." More important, though, are the many soloists, who include tenor saxophonist Eddie Miller, clarinetist Matty Matlock (who may be responsible for some of the arrangements), trumpeters Charlie Teagarden and Dick Catchart, and (on the earlier dates) trombonist Jack Teagarden, who has "Lover" as his showcase. Among the other selections recorded by the spirited Dixieland-oriented big band are "Ostrich Walk," "Over the Waves," "Wolverine Blues" and "Skater's Waltz." A rarity that Bob Crosby fans will want. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide